Tokyo

I have wanted to visit Japan, especially Tokyo for as long as I can remember! A friend notified me of a good deal for tickets, so we jumped on the opportunity to take our kids along and check it out. I was absolutely not disappointed. It is such an incredible place, with such beautiful, rich culture.

Tips:

Before you go make sure to buy the Japan Rail pass, especially if you plan to travel outside Tokyo. You only can buy it before the trip and you will get them in the mail. Also, on the same site rent pocket wifi for the duration of your trip. You pick it up and drop it off at the airport, super simple and it works like a dream for up to 10 devices! We used the Friendly Limousine bus to get to and from the airport, which was great. It will blow your mind how prompt and organized this place is.

Shibuya is a good area to stay in, I recommend Cerulean Tower hotel. We also loved the Hilton in Shinjuku, which has a shuttle every 20 minutes to the main shopping area and train station. I’m sure there are a lot of great options, but when traveling with young kids, our accommodations were more of a priority.

Here are a some of our musts in Tokyo:

Asakusa district-visit Senso-ji temple and wander around the area, eating local street food and browsing the shops! Try to get there early before the crowds! A friend told me about the sweet bread from Asakusa Kagetsudo Honten and DO NOT MISS it if you’re in this area. We stood in line twice, because we loved it so much!

Meiji Shrine– incredibly gorgeous stroll to get to the shrine. (Also extremely stroller friendly area). If you go here, plan for Harajuku area as well since they are right by each other! Takeshita Dori street is where you’ll find what comes to mind when you think “Harajuku girls” (or at least what I thought of!). The cotton candy from Totti Candy Factory is mind blowing and if you really have a sweet tooth, try a crepe as well!

Inokashira Park– This was about a 30 minute train ride out of the city. We loved riding on the adorable swan boats in the pond and wandering around some vintage shops nearby!

Disney Sea– I’m sure Disney Tokyo is amazing as well, but we loved how unique of an experience this was! Only something you can get in Tokyo. It was pretty quiet, really short lines and it was cheap to get it! About $70 each or so… much better than in the states! We loved trying all the concession food, except when I thought I got a churro and it was actually a salty potato stick!

Tsukiji Fish Market– the worlds largest and busiest fish market, with an empathis on BUSY! I really wish we would have gone early in the morning to avoid the crowds, but it was still a neat experience.

Robot Restaurant– If you want the strangest, funniest, most “Tokyo anime-esc” feeling show, you’ve got to go to this. We we’re just shocked at how over the top everything was. Yes, it’s incredibly touristy, but so so fun!

Things we couldn’t fit in, but wish we had done:

Kamakura– Big buddha

Showa Kinen Park– Rent bikes, big “bubbles” on the ground for kids to jump on

Odiaba– shop, walk around, Hello Kitty Cafe

Now FOOD:

Ichiran– our favorite ramen experience! This is right at the Shibuya crossing, so obviously a check that out as well. This is one of the busiest places in all of Tokyo, but great people watching!

Isshin Rice House– Fun sushi experience! They have you take your shoes off when you get inside the restaurant. Miso, rice, sushi, pickles, etc for under $15! If you have time, check out this bookstore near by as well.

Bill’s– This is in Harajuku area and has THE best ricotta pancakes! Don’t even bother ordering anything else and you will not want to share!

Da Isa– great pizza, if you need a little break from noodles!

Hoot Hoot Cafe or Cat Cafe– We didn’t end up doing this, mostly because of our allergies, but you basically pay to hang out with owls or cats!